Melanie Allen
Charlottesville,VA
Summary
Detail-oriented and safety-focused laboratory professional with hands-on experience supporting clinical testing, research operations, and high-volume laboratory workflows. Demonstrates strong technical knowledge in chemistry, biology, and laboratory methodologies. Skilled in specimen handling, data accuracy, and communicating technical information clearly to colleagues and healthcare professionals. Known for reliability, precision, and the ability to follow established procedures while also exercising sound judgment when adapting to non-routine challenges. Committed to supporting efficient lab operations that contribute to accurate diagnostics, effective patient care, and successful research outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Specimen Management Technician
University of Virginia Medical Center
10.2024 - Current
- Receive and process laboratory requests and specimens for analysis.
- Enter written and electronic orders into the laboratory information/computer system.
- Ensure that all specimens meet specimen acceptance criteria.
- Operate the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to transport specimens.
- Investigate, document, and resolve problems or complaints related to specimens, or orders.
- Process laboratory specimens (which may include sorting, labeling, aliquoting, etc.).
- Serve as a trainer and role model for new Specimen Management Technicians.
- Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance, safety, and compliance programs.
Behavior Emotional and Support Technician
Fluvanna County Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs.
- Assisted students with daily school tasks, as needed.
- Used applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles, or other evidence-based behavioral strategies, to help students build social-emotional, and self-regulation skills.
- Helped develop and prepare materials to support students' behavioral, social-emotional, and educational needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to implement behavior intervention plans and social-emotional supports.
- Collected data for functional behavior assessments.
- Monitored the fidelity of behavior intervention plans, and provided feedback or recommendations.
- Troubleshoot behavior plans together with the behavioral specialist when things aren’t working as expected.
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Department of Cell Biology
03.2008 - 08.2008
- In situations hybridization using live embryo zebra fish model.
- Maintaining live zebra fish mutant and wild type strains.
- Maintained a safe and clean laboratory environment by adhering to strict safety guidelines and protocols.
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Reproductive Research Center
11.2006 - 03.2008
- Organized and prepared radioimmunoassay
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and quality standards in laboratory operations.
- Optimized standard operating procedures for various laboratory techniques.
- Analyzed experimental data, providing accurate reports to primary investigator for informed decision-making.
Instructional Assistant
Charlottesville Public Schools
09.1996 - 06.1998
- Supported classroom instruction by assisting teachers with lesson preparation and material organization.
- Collaborated with educators to develop individualized learning plans for diverse student needs.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback and encouragement to enhance engagement and achievement.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Medical Center Reproductive Research Center, Ligand and Assay Core Laboratory
05.1994 - 06.1996
- Oversaw the operation of the ligand and assay core lab.
- Organized and prepared radioimmunoassays and bioassays.
- Data analysis and management by utilizing assorted computer-assisted data reduction programs.
- I reviewed and interpreted the results for the investigator.
- Developed and validated new assays.
- Taught and trained medical students, residents, scientists, etc.
- Maintained inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring availability for ongoing experiments.
- Mentored medical students, residents, and scientists, gaining practical experience in the lab setting by providing valuable hands-on training opportunities.
Education
Master of Science - Cytogenetics And Molecular Genetics
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLBachelor of Arts - Biology
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
Lynchburg, VA05-1982
Skills
- Laboratory information systems
- Specimen processing
- Quality assurance compliance
- Sample acceptance criteria
- Data management
- Data collection methods
- Problem resolution
- Safety protocol adherence
- Training and mentoring
- Laboratory safety standards
- Assay development and validation
- Technical report preparation
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
Accomplishments
Service Award: Ten Years
Certification
University of Virginia Medical Center: Radiation Protection
University of Virginia Environmental Health and Safety Office
- Basic Radiation Physics
- Biological Effects of Radiation
- Radiation Protection Methods
- Byproduct Material License Regulations
University of Virginia Medical Center
Office of Animal Welfare
Animal Research Orientation Seminar Certificate
Timeline
Specimen Management Technician
University of Virginia Medical Center
10.2024 - Current
Behavior Emotional and Support Technician
Fluvanna County Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2024
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Department of Cell Biology
03.2008 - 08.2008
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Reproductive Research Center
11.2006 - 03.2008
Instructional Assistant
Charlottesville Public Schools
09.1996 - 06.1998
Laboratory Specialist
University of Virginia Medical Center Reproductive Research Center, Ligand and Assay Core Laboratory
05.1994 - 06.1996
Master of Science - Cytogenetics And Molecular Genetics
Florida State University
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Randolph-Macon Woman's College